Compatibility: Peaceful. Only shows aggression when breeding. It is a cichlid though, and can be unpredictable. Do not house with mouth-sized fish. The best companions are other similarly sized Central and South American cichlids, large Characins, hemichromis, and tilapia.

Temperature: 22 – 28 Deg C / 72 – 82 Deg F

Water Chemistry: ph 6.5 – 8.0, with 7.0 preferred.

Feeding: Omnivorous. Flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and earthworms are taken with relish.

Sexing: The male and female Firemouths Cichlid share similar markings. The male, however, is much brighter and more colorful. As the male of the breed ages, its caudal fin will bend and the outer rays will lengthen. Both the dorsal and anal fins on the male Firemouth are exaggerated and pointed compared to that of the females. Venting is the only sure way to determine the gender of smaller Firemouths though.